Iran calls for close cooperation with Afghanistan to counter terrorism

Tehran, July 25 : Iran said security is interlinked in Iran and Afghanistan, and both countries should try to enhance cooperation to deal with the issue of terrorism in the region,

Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Shamkhani made the remarks in a meeting with the visiting National Security Adviser of Afghanistan Mohammad Hanif Atmar on Monday.

He said all the regional states need comprehensive cooperation to deal with the growth and spread of terrorist groups, Xinhua news agency reported.

Shamkhani condemned terrorist explosion in Afghanistan's Kabul, which killed at least 24 and wounded dozens.

He expressed concern about continuation of financial, intelligence and arms supports of some countries for terrorist groups and said this can increase sectarian and religious violence in the region, reported IRNA news agency.

"This can also sabotage the Afghan government's efforts to develop and reconstruct the country," he added.

Shamkhani pointed to cultural commonalities between the two countries and said that continuation of consultations and exchange of experience can help establish peace and stability along the common borders.

The two officials also discussed major security issues, fighting drug trafficking and terrorism, as well as bilateral cooperation in economic fields.